Echo: Defender latest

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Liverpool's pursuit of Alberto Moreno from Sevilla now looks highly unlikely with the club now set to pursue alternative targets.

The Reds had been keen to bring the Spanish international left back to Anfield, but have been left frustrated in their efforts to agree a fee with the La Liga club.

The Moreno deal now looks highly unlikely.

That means Brendan Rodgers will turn his attentions to alternatives, with Swansea City's Ben Davies now top of his list.

Rodgers knows the 21-year-old well from his Swansea days, and has watched his steady progress at first-team level over the past two seasons. The Reds boss had initially drawn up a three-man shortlist, topped by Moreno, for the left back position at the start of the summer.

Since then, though, Guilherme Siqueira has moved to Atletico Madrid, while a move for Ryan Bertrand has been complicated by Chelsea's reluctance to sell to a Premier League title rival.

Davies, therefore, has emerged as a strong target, though Liverpool will face competition from Spurs for the Welsh international.